Tony Elliott got a win in his first game and UVA’s head coach but it didn’t come without bumps in the road.
The first half of their 34-17 win over Richmond, the running game that struggled at times last season, looked solid as they finished with 259 yards rushing.
Starter, Perris Jones would finish the game with 104 yards rushing and an impressive 5.5 yards per carry. That was second on the team with Brennan Armstrong. Yes, the quarterback led UVA in rushing with 105 yards. The final number was aided by a 64 yard run but everyone acknowledges that the Cavaliers ground game has to be better this season.
Armstrong would finish with 246 yards passing with two touchdowns and an interception.
If there was a negative to the offense, it was the two second half turnovers. One was courtesy of a fumble by Dontayvion Wicks after making a catch near the sidelines. The second was the interception by Armstrong when he was late and long over the middle.
There should be some concern with the defense which showed holes against the rush. The Spiders rushed for 170 yards on 4.9 yards a carry. Richmond had success running the ball straight up the middle of the Cavaliers defense.
There were two illegal substitution penalties, one nullified an interception.
The pass rush garnered only two sacks and, overall, the defense didn’t force any turnovers. If there was a good takeaway, the defense had two fourth down stops.
There will need to be improvement in all areas as the Cavaliers travel to Illinois.
Armstrong’s making a mark on the record books.
Armstrong broke UVA’s career total offense record (8,010) in week one against Richmond. He needs four touchdowns to become UVA’s all-time leader in career touchdown passes.
